Crowd of nearly 100 floods Rep. Allen’s Augusta office for protest
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Big moves to downsize the federal government are leading to rising tensions, and Augusta-area residents made their views known about it during a protest Thursday at U.S. Rep. Rick Allen’s Augusta office.
Throughout the day, nearly 100 people made their way to the office on Perimeter Parkway.
The hallway was so crowded that most people were standing – even though the protest had been planned as a “sit-in.”
Organizers say they want a town hall meeting for Allen’s constituents to talk with him about their concerns.
“The budget that the House of Representatives just ed, Rick Allen voted yes on it,” said Lillie Delecuona, a participant of the protest. “Most of what that budget is going to do is cut a lot of programs that Georgians and Augustians really need. Things like SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, all that sort of stuff.”
" If Elon Musk wants to save money, we can cancel his $38 billion in new contracts with the United States government,” said Nancy Pund, another participant. “Then we could pay for the other things that he is canceling, like the National Park Service, USAID and aid to Ukraine.”
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Everyone was standing for something they’re ionate about.
“I have been an educator all my life, and seeing what’s happening to the federal government, particularly the issues of the Department of Education, bother me tremendously,” said Matthew Maurer, a participant of the protest.
“I ed his office about how the executive orders regarding DEI were affecting overseas schools,” said Karin Parham, another participant.
The main goal for the group was to be heard.
“I’m here because I want to help get our voices heard,” said protester CaSeita Jackson.
“There’s been an outcry for a request for a town hall meeting. We’ve come here to express our concerns. ... We do not like what’s going on right now in politics,” said Jackson.
In blunt , she said Allen needs to stand up to pressure from Republican peers.
“What we’re trying to do is bring awareness that, ‘Hey, we’re here; don’t forget ,’” said Jackson.
And holding a town hall meeting is one way to hear constituents’ concerns.
“We need him to physically show himself so we can express in person all of our concerns,” Jackson said.
“Because we’re the taxpayers ... without us, you would not be in office,” she said. “Do your job; that’s all we’re asking.”
“I am not then bringing anybody to the table who I’m thinking is going to be a disrespect to Congressman Rick Allen,” said Traci George, lead organizer. “I wouldn’t stand for it at all, but he needs to be very even involved to address the people.”
Several people had the chance to speak to Allen’s staff
“I feel like heard by maybe the individuals in this office, but to the extent of like, ‘Oh, is Rick Allen actually going to listen to these things?’” said Delecuona.
“You can talk all day long, but what are you doing?” said Jackson.
In a statement, Allen’s office says he is aware of Thursday’s organized event and is respectful of his constituents’ right to peacefully protest, protected by the First Amendment.
We asked Allen’s office if he would hold in-person town hall meetings.
His office referred us back to his statement.
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